Where To Get Fresh Local Turkeys in Rhode Island for Thanksgiving

Don't tell this fine fellow, but Rhode Island has wonderful farms where you can procure fresh, live turkeys for your Thanksgiving feast.

The Rhode Island Red may be the official state bird, but farms across the Ocean State are teeming with turkeys just in time for Thanksgiving. Whether you pre-order directly from the farm or pick up a bird from the Wintertime Farmers Market in Pawtucket, Whole Foods or Dave’s Marketplace, local farms are sure to deliver a mouth-watering meal for the upcoming holiday. Don’t forget to pick up some locally-sourced produce while you’re out – with farms still offering everything from spinach and green beans to sweet potatoes and pumpkins, your entire feast will leave your family – and the state economy – giving thanks for local agriculture.

Belwing Turkey Farm, 773 Taunton Avenue, Seekonk

Belwing was established in 1944 by Irving and Bernice Dickens and is now operated by their daughter, Phyllis. Their turkeys are sourced on-farm and from an off-site location. Thanksgiving turkeys are available for pre-order by telephone at (508) 336-9142 and can be picked up on November 20 and 21 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Bongi’s Turkey Roost, 414 Kingstown Way, Duxbury, MA

Almost 40 miles from Providence, Bongi’s – founded in 1947 – is a little farther away, but a true specialist in turkeys and prepared turkey dishes. Roasted turkeys for Thanksgiving are available for pre-order now and fresh birds will be available starting Sunday, November 18 at (781) 585-2392. The farm stand will hold special hours during Thanksgiving week: Nov. 17-18: 9-am-6pm; Nov. 19-20: 9am-8pm; and Nov. 21: 9am-5 pm. Other prepared Thanksgiving dishes available include gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, butternut squash and a variety of fruit pies.

Baffoni’s Poultry Farm, 324 Greenville Avenue, Johnston

Baffoni’s is an 80-acre farm founded in 1935. All of its 25,000 chickens and 1,200 turkeys are raised on natural 100% vegetarian feed and its poultry is cage-free. Their turkeys live on large, fenced-in platforms outdoors. Everything is conducted on-site by just eight full-time employees. Baffoni’s poultry is available at Eastside Marketplace in Providence, at Persimmon Provisions in Bristol, at their daily on-site Farm Stand or at the Wintertime Farmer’s Market in Pawtucket and South Kingstown Wintertime Market. Thanksgiving orders can be placed via telephone at (401) 231-6315. Hurry, they're selling out fast! Farm Stand Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Helger’s Turkey Ranch, 2554 Main Road, Tiverton

Helger’s is a 22-acre, family-run turkey ranch founded in 1939 and operated by Chad Helger. Turkeys range in size from 14-30 lbs, though orders for Thanksgiving opened on October 1, so available sizes are now limited. Some birds are still available for pre-order by telephone at (401) 624-4087. Pickup is Nov 20-21, 8am-5pm. Helger's is open 8am-5pm year-round, daily.

Pat’s Pastured, 830 South Road, East Greenwich

Pat’s is a 100-acre farm founded in 2002 and run by Pat McNiff. Pat’s Heritage breed turkeys are grass-fed and raised in moveable shelters. Standard White turkeys (18-30 lbs, generous portions of white breast meat, $5.75/lb), are available pre-order via telephone at (401) 413-9770 or online here. Pickup is Tuesday, November 20 from 3-7pm. A special Thanksgiving Market will be held on the day of turkey pick up, featuring fruit, cider, pies, organic vegetables and flowers.

PV Farm Stand, 56 Peeptoad Road, Scituate

PV Farm Stand is a 12-acre farm founded in 1997. Run by Frank Martinelli, the farm raises both white and bronze range-fed turkeys. Their birds are raised chemical-free, with no hormones or antibiotics. Vegetables are grown in the greenhouses year-round; pumpkins, spinach and green beans are all still available for a well-rounded Thanksgiving feast! PV Farm Stand products are available at Whole Foods and Dave’s Markets, and the Wintertime Farmer’s Market in Pawtucket. Thanksgiving orders can be placed via Frank's cellphone at (401) 300-8267--hurry, they're selling out fast.

Simmons Farm, 1942 West Main Road, Middletown

Simmons is a 120-acre certified organic farm run by Brian and Karla Simmons. Founded in 1880, the farm also features a petting zoo! Organic Thanksgiving turkeys are available for pre-order by size (medium, large, and extra-large) for $5.75/lb at (401) 848-9910. Green beans, pumpkins, spinach, potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash and a variety of other produce items for a Thanksgiving feast are also still available at the Wintertime Farmer’s Market in Pawtucket, the Aquidneck Growers' Wintertime Market (Saturdays 9am-1pm, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Porsmouth), A Market Natural Foods in Newport and the Green Grocer in Portsmouth.